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Beautiful and Easy to Maintain Metal Railings

Thu 01 Feb 2007 - 10:12

Beautiful and Easy to Maintain Metal Railings
By Andrew Caxton

If you have decided that you want metal railings for your home, you can certainly have them in any style you desire. You are
limited only by the design limitations of the manufacturer. Metal railings are a very good choice for your home because of the
advantages they exhibit over railings made from other materials. Following a few of these advantages:



a. You have a wide choice of styles, since metal railings can be worked into very small, intricate designs without any loss.

of strength. If you compare "strength to weight" ratios of metal railings versus PVC, for example, they are much higher.

b. You have a wide range of colors in metal railings. Metal retains color intensity much better than most other materials,
giving you a choice that can be uniquely yours in the brightest or sublest colors available.

c. Iron railings last longer than the buildings they were attached to. If you install an iron railing, you will not have
to do anything further to it. A wood railing will rot and splinter and usually does not last longer than 20 years.

d. Metal railings can be crafted to suit just about any decorating style you choose. The cost of having an unusual styleis usually not much more than a standardized one.

e. Metal railings can be easily repaired, if repair does become necessary. Parts are welded back together, and a coat of paint makes a metal railing look brand new. (This is not the case with wrought iron railings.)

f. You can install metal railings yourself. If you are an avid "DIY"er, you can install metal railings yourself. If you have welding materials, you can even make your own from metal sections, and create your own unique style.


There are many choices in the types of metal you want for your metal railings. Pipes, hollow sections, bars and flat pieces
are used to make railings. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, so you have to examine each kind.

Pipe railings are typically found in industrial settings. Straight pipes, with a very functional look is all that is required
in this environment. Some people find this look attractive, and they have been formed into wavy pipes to add interest, especially if they are painted to suit your décor.

Wrought iron railings became very popular very quickly once it was developed for use in metal railings. It is a very popular look, especially for fancy estate gates and other fencing around properties.

Hollow section railings are frequently used for railings. Hollow sections make it very easy to put in interesting designs such as straight or geometric patterns. Curves are not that easy to achieve with hollow section railings, and so they are not a usual design feature.

Flat section are best used for geometric patterns that are popular in hand or stair railings. A flat section made from stainless still can completely transform the look of a rail to completely modern. Flat section railings are most popular in malls, hotels, hospitals and airports.

Thin rod railings are the best type to use if you want to have a very intricate design in your railings. These rods are made
from metal which is 5mm or smaller in width, making it perfect for small, artistic patterns. Rails can be very customized
when you use thin rod railings. Square, circular or rectangular patterns can be achieved, and even more intrticate patterns such as stars have been created

Easy maintenance and perfect customization make metal railings the prefect option for any home.

Andrew Caxton is a reliable journalist who has published more articles on this issue for http://www.deck-porch-railings.com. He provides tips and advice about deck designs as well as on the home improvement at metal deck railing

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Caxton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Beautiful-and-Easy-to-Maintain-Metal-Railings&id=438694


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